Tunisia’s counter-terrorism forces uncovered a three-member takfiri terror cell that was plotting operations in the central-eastern areas between the Mahdia and Sfax regions.
It was headed by an ex-convict affiliated with the banned radical Ansar al-Sharia group and who was indicted in what is known as the Suleiman 2006 terror case.
Counter-terrorism task forces succeeded in arresting all members of the group while they were attempting to rob a wealthy residence.
Well-informed sources said that the terrorists had accused the rich figures of the eastern coast of Tunisia with apostasy and plotted to systematically plunder and pillage their assets.
During preliminary investigations, the suspects confessed to plotting multiple robberies against a host of victims.
They also confessed to abducting a wealthy resident and demanding a ransom from their family in return for their safe release.
After legal proceedings are concluded, it is likely that the suspects will be convicted and face jail time.
Separately, a Tunisian man in his thirties was tried in a criminal court on terror-linked charges.
Investigations revealed that he was in contact with senior leaders in the terror group, ISIS, and was involved in provoking attacks against security forces.
